Swiss Air Force Patrouille Suisse

The Swiss Air Force's jet aerobatic team is unusual in Europe in flying a front-line fighter type rather than a trainer. The Patrouille Suisse displays six examples of the Northrop F-5E Tiger II, painted in a distinctive red and white livery. All the team's pilots come from operational Swiss Air Force squadrons, the leader for 2016 being Capt Simon 'Billy' Billeter. Originally formed in 1964, the Patrouille Suisse flew the Hawker Hunter until the end of the 1994 season, whereupon it re-equipped with the F-5E. Now, with the Tiger II's service days in Switzerland numbered, the future of the team is open to question. RIAT 2016 will be its sole British appearance of the year - the Air Tattoo has enjoyed regular performances by the Patrouille Suisse since 1979.